Freshman forward Carli Farquharson attempts a shot past NAU freshman goalkeeper Natalie Gilbertson during ASU’s 4-0 win over the Lumberjacks on Aug. 24. (Photo courtesy of Steve Rodriguez)The Sun Devils (1-3-1) are looking to rebound after a weekend in which they lost 4-1 to No. 18 Missouri last Friday and tied Kansas 2-2 Sunday.
Coach Kevin Boyd has stressed defense this week in practice since the Sun Devils have conceded nine goals in their first five matches.
“Defending has been our emphasis in practice this week,” Boyd said. “Defense and winning first and second balls.”
Defense will especially be key this weekend, as Sunday's opponent, Pepperdine, is coming off a 5-0 victory over Indiana. Pepperdine sophomore forward Amanda LeCave tied the Waves' single-game scoring record with four goals against the Hoosiers.
ASU and Pepperdine (4-0-1) drew 0-0 in their last matchup, though. The Waves lead the all-time series 3-1-3.
Houston, the Sun Devils’ Friday opponent, is 2-0-3 this season after losing to LSU 2-0 in their most recent game.
The Cougars balanced attack is led by sophomore forward Kayla Walker and junior midfielder Jasmine Martinez, who are tied with one another for the team lead in goals — two.
The Sun Devils' leading scorer, freshman forward Cali Farquharson, is playing in her first ever home game for the Sun Devils this weekend.
Farquharson is looking forward to the excitement of playing in front of her first home crowd after a five game road trip to start the season.
“I'm really excited,” Farquharson said. “It's my first home game and all my friends and family are going to be here, so I'm excited.”
Boyd said that junior forward Devin Marshall is expected to return after she had suffered a concussion against Missouri.
Before last year's 1-0 home loss to Missouri, the Sun Devils hadn't lost a home non-conference game since 2008.
Boyd hopes the Classic can jump start a new unbeaten streak and the Sun Devils' season.
“I want us to be better than we were Sunday (against Kansas), and to do the things we did well again,” Boyd said.
Reach the reporter at dsshapi1@asu.edu
